Angling

/ˈæŋɡlɪŋ/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
3 meanings2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The sport or activity of fishing with a rod and line.

/ˈæŋɡlɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The sport of fishing with a rod and line.

He spent the afternoon angling for trout.

💡 Simply: Fishing with a rod.

More Examples

2

Angling is a popular pastime in many countries.

How It's Used

Recreation

"He enjoys angling in the river."

2

To try to catch fish with a rod and line.

/ˈæŋɡlɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To fish with a rod and line.

He was angling for trout in the stream.

💡 Simply: To fish.

More Examples

2

She spent hours angling but caught nothing.

How It's Used

Recreation

"They were angling for salmon."

Tip:Imagine the rod bending at an 'angle' as you reel in a fish.
3

To try to obtain something indirectly or skillfully.

/ˈæŋɡlɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To maneuver or direct skillfully or deviously.

He was angling for an invitation to the party.

💡 Simply: To subtly try to get something.

More Examples

2

She cleverly angled for a better salary.

How It's Used

Figurative

"She was angling for a promotion."

Tip:Think of angling a fishing rod; you subtly maneuver it to catch a fish.

From Middle English *anglen, from Old English *angl, from Proto-Germanic *anglō, ultimately of uncertain origin, possibly related to a word for a hook or a bend.

The word 'angling' has been used in its recreational sense for centuries, appearing in early fishing manuals and literature.

Memory tip

Think of an 'angle' – you need to use skillful angles to catch fish.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"hook or bend"

angling rodangling lineangling for compliments

Common misspellings

angelinganggling

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written